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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Jan 17, 2022 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    How to Make H-E-B Savory Kale Salad

    Original post date: 4/5/19 Updated: 1/16/21

    Learn How to Make the best H-E-B Savory Kale Salad! This copycat recipe is the perfect dupe on the delicious savory salad that tastes better with time. The simple and healthy lemon vinaigrette salad tossed with fresh parmesan, and homemade croutons, pairs great with your favorite protein or as a side dish.

    If you like this recipe, you will love Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls, Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze or Peach Salsa with Shrimp.

    When I first attempted to recreate this recipe, it was out of sheer desperation. While living in San Antonio, Texas, I was introduced to grocery shopping at H-E-B. Their fresh ready meals section was convenient to use and grabbing their prepared salads were always a must. The prepared salads would run out fairly quickly, so I had to learn to improvise and being a foodie, gave me the opportunity to recreate this savory salad recipe at home.

    WHAT DOES THE SAVORY KALE SALAD TASTE LIKE?

    This savory kale salad is similar to a Caesar salad ingredient wise, but the dressing has a tangy and savory flavor. With this in mind, if you like hearty and simple salads, you will love this recipe. The main flavors that are present in this salad are the chewy texture of kale, savory notes from the fresh parmesan cheese and the tanginess from the vinaigrette dressing.

    Furthermore, the best part about this recipe is that while it is delicious fresh, this salad gets better with time. To explain, this salad works great for meal-prep recipe idea and also works great for a potluck. To sum up, this recipe can be under your list of sweet and savory kale or savory kale salad recipes. Keep reading and I will explain why.

    Jump to Recipe

    WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS SAVORY KALE SALAD?

    This savory kale salad has simple, household ingredients. What is helpful about this recipe is the toppings and additions are endless. Although, this recipe is just as good as is. Here are the ingredients you will need to make the base of this recipe:

    • Kale
    • Fresh Parmesan Cheese
    • Panko Breadcrumbs
    • Olive Oil
    • Lemon
    • Dijon Mustard
    • Garlic
    • Honey
    • Red Pepper Flakes
    • Salt and Pepper

    WHAT ADD-INS PAIR WELL WITH THIS H-E-B SAVORY KALE SALAD?

    To emphasize, this recipe is delicious as is, but it also works well with several additions. Here are some toppings and additions that work great with this salad.

    Protein

    • Shrimp
    • Grilled Chicken
    • Salmon (your favorite fish)

    Toppings

    • Cranberries
    • Gorgonzola Cheese
    • Nuts (slivered almonds or walnuts)
    • Pomegranate
    • Apples (thinly sliced)
    Savory Kale Salad Recipe Video

    HOW TO MAKE H-E-B KALE SALAD

    As shown above, this savory salad recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and steps. First, prepare the breadcrumbs by measuring the panko breadcrumbs and placing in a small to medium sized pan with olive oil on medium/high heat. Stir occasionally while allowing the panko breadcrumbs to brown and toast. In detail, this step will take about five minutes. Place the toasted breadcrumbs on a plate or bowl and allow to cool until assembly time.

    Next, measure the kale and place in a large salad bowl. Begin massaging the kale with clean hands until kale becomes wilted and softer. This step takes a few minutes but as your hands begin to release heat, the kale will begin to "shrink" and soften.

    HOW TO MAKE LEMON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

    At this instant, it is time to prepare the salad dressing. Begin by placing the olive oil in bowl and pour in the garlic, mustard, honey, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper and lemon juice. Whisk gingerly for two to three minutes until the salad dressing ingredients are mixed thoroughly and well combined.

    HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE KALE SALAD

    Using the bowl where the kale was previously massaged; pour in the parmesan cheese, cooked/toasted breadcrumbs and season again with salt and pepper. Then, pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are mixed with the salad dressing. Lastly, top with any leftover toppings such as the parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for garnish and enjoy.

    As mentioned, this salad is delicious to serve immediately, but if you have time, this salad tastes the best when it has had time to marinate at least 12-24 hours.

    TIPS TO MAXIMIZE FLAVOR

    I have listed tips below that will maximize flavor and texture. Of course, you can serve right away but following these simple tips takes this savory kale salad to another level!

    • Massage the kale for 2-5 minutes or until softened.
    • Make ahead of time and refrigerate 30 minutes-24 hours. The longer it marinates, the better the flavors develop.
    • Spend the extra bucks; purchase quality shaved parmesan (not the bottle grated stuff for spaghetti).
    • Use fresh lemon juice and quality Dijon mustard.

    Are you following me on Instagram, I love chatting and would love to connect with you further there!

    If you like this recipe, you will love:

    Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls

    Dragon Roll Sushi Bowl plated in a white howl with ingredients separated around the bowl. Fresh jalapeno, mango, cucumber, shrimp and avocado on top of white sushi rice. Drizzled with spicy mayo and unami sauce and topped with black sesame seeds.
    Dragon Roll Sushi Bowls

    Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

    Five prosciutto crostinis in image with one in clear focus. 5 mini crostinis with baked toast, burrata, prosciutto, basil, honey and balsamic drizzle.
    Proscuitto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

    Peach Salsa with Shrimp

    Right hand holding blue tortilla chip with peach salsa with shrimp. Out of focus are two wooden spoons, four peaches, white bowl with remaining peach salsa and black and white dish towel used for styling.
    Peach Salsa with Shrimp Hand with Blue Tortilla Chip

    Savory Kale Salad-HEB Copycat

    Carita
    Learn How to Make the best H-E-B Savory Kale Salad! This copycat recipe is the perfect dupe on the delicious savory salad that tastes better with time. The simple and healthy lemon vinaigrette salad tossed with fresh parmesan, and homemade croutons, pairs great with your favorite protein or as a side dish.
    4.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Salad

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup Olive Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic or Garlic Paste
    • ¼ teaspoon Honey
    • ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon (½ small lemon)
    • 3 cups Kale (I use prepackaged)
    • ½ cup Shaved Parmesan (Get the good stuff)!
    • Salt + Pepper (To taste)
    • ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare the breadcrumbs by placing them in a small to medium sized pan with olive oil on medium/high heat.
    • Stir occasionally while allowing the panko breadcrumbs to brown and toast. This step will take about five minutes.
    • Place the toasted breadcrumbs on a plate or bowl and allow to cool until assembly time.
    • Next, measure the kale and place in a large salad bowl. Begin massaging the kale with clean hands until kale becomes wilted and softer.
    • This step takes a few minutes but as your hands begin to release heat, the kale will begin to "shrink" and soften.
    • Begin by placing the olive oil in bowl and pour in the garlic, mustard, honey, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper and lemon juice.
    • Whisk gingerly for two to three minutes until the salad dressing ingredients are mixed thoroughly and well combined.
    • Using the bowl where the kale was previously massaged; pour in the parmesan cheese, cooked/toasted breadcrumbs and season again with salt and pepper.
    • Then, pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are mixed with the salad dressing.
    • Lastly, top with any leftover toppings such as the parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for garnish and enjoy.
    • As mentioned, this salad is delicious to serve immediately, but if you have time, this salad tastes the best when it has had time to marinate at least 12-24 hours.
    Keyword healthy side dish, Kale Salad, Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing, Lemon Vinaigrette Salad, Parmesan Salad, Savory Kale Salad, Side Dish

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maureen says

      October 13, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      Thank youuuu!!!!!
      It’s really good, your-salad! Just as good as the I tried at HEB.

      Reply
      • admin says

        January 07, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Awesome! I've moved to Seattle a few months ago. Can you ship me a few of the salads. 😉

        Reply
    2. Angela says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:13 am

      I have been wanting to try to remake this salad. It is so addictive! Can't wait to try yours. Glad you dont add the breadcrumbs!

      Reply
      • admin says

        January 07, 2020 at 6:30 am

        Ha ha! Yes, I can do without the breadcrumbs for sure. If you've tried it out, let me know how it worked out for you. I've recently moved to Seattle and miss the salad so much! xo

        Reply
        • Lori Williams says

          January 10, 2020 at 5:31 pm

          My husband just returned from Austin and sent me photos of this salad to recreate for him. Apparently he'd had the sweet kale salad first, and when he went back the lady told him about the savory one. He raved about it and asked me to see what the magic is about, so I just found your recipe and am excited to make it. I might add some of the pepitas they put in the sweet one for a bit of crunch in the savory one. Thanks for the inspiration!

          Reply
          • admin says

            January 14, 2020 at 7:13 am

            The cutest story ever! I love how food can be attached to the cutest memories. I've had the sweet kale salad with the pepitas and it is tasty BUT, nothing compares to that savory kale salad. I think your spot on with adding the pepitas, I think it'll help balance the texture of the kale out. Let me know how it turns out. 🙂

            Reply
    3. Jamie says

      November 23, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      I’m super excited to try this! Question: How well does it keep. I have to meal prep each week and was wondering how long this would last. And which pre packaged kale do you get??? Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        November 28, 2020 at 5:13 am

        Hi Jamie! This salad normally lasts 2-3 days. As far as pre packaged kale, I normally purchase it in the produce section at my grocery store. I've lived in a few states but most major brand grocers will have their brand of chopped and pre packaged kale. I hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Lori says

      February 07, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect- thanks for sharing the recipe. Perfectly delicious and freshly prepared.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        February 16, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Thanks so much Lori! It's one of my faves!:)

        Reply
    5. Ami Greene says

      April 08, 2021 at 12:27 am

      5 stars
      I just made this salad and it was perfect!! I've never had the HEB salad, but this is a perfect savory kale salad. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        April 08, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's one of my absolute favorite salads as well! xoxo

        Reply
    6. TX_Jenn says

      February 06, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      3 stars
      As a person that buys this salad from HEB every week, I decided to try to make this myself. I don't know what I did wrong with the above receipe but all I tasted was olive oil. And maybe because all I had was an olive oil taste, I found I had to add a lot more lemon juice than just 1 tbsp to get that lemon flavor. Any help/advice on what went wrong?

      Reply
      • Carita says

        February 07, 2022 at 6:28 pm

        Hi! The flavor of the dressing will vary based on the type of olive oil you used. The flavor deepens the longer it marinates as well. How long did your salad marinate after preparing it?

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

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